Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Policy and Management

First Advisor

Dr.Syed Zafar Ahmed Fatmi

Second Advisor

Dr.Hira Tariq

Third Advisor

Dr.Asad Allana

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION :The global rising temperature due to climate change has the worst effect on outdoor workers. This study investigates the effects of heat exposure on physiological parameters and the incidence of near misses and injuries among motorcycle riders in Karachi, Pakistan. In the context of motorcycle riding, near misses refer to incidents that have the potential to cause injury but do not result in actual harm. Injuries in motorcycle riding are defined as physical harm or damage sustained by riders because of accidents or incidents. These can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring medical attention.
METHODOLOGY :We employed a concurrent mixed method approach to conduct this study. We collected data from 100 motorcycle riders, employed the University, over 30 days who documented near misses and injuries daily. We used robust operational definitions for near misses and injuries. Near misses are critical to study as they provide insight into potential hazards and the effectiveness of safety measures, allowing for initiative-taking risk management and prevention strategies. The study of injury incidence rates helps in erstanding the frequency and severity of accidents, thereby informing safety protocols and interventions aimed at reducing the risk and impact of such events. We measured physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature in a subgroup of riders at baseline and end-line post-ride for over one hour (n=7), We used paired t-tests to determine differences in physiological parameters before and after the ride. We estimated the correlation coefficient between heat exposure and the frequency of near misses and injuries. Concurrently, we conducted qualitative interviews (n=12) to explore the experiences and coping strategies of motorcycle riders.
RESULTS :Heat exposure significantly increased heart rate (p = 0.0058) and respiratory rate (p = 0.008) after approximately one-hour ride, indicating substantial cardiovascular and respiratory stress among motorcycle riders. Higher temperatures correlated positively with the frequency of near misses (correlation coefficient = 0.2324) and injuries (correlation coefficient = 0.3928), suggesting that heat exacerbates safety risks. Qualitative data revealed that riders experienced physical and mental challenges, including exhaustion, dehydration, and mental fatigue, which affected their alertness and decision-making abilities.Page 11 of 87
CONCLUSION :Physiological changes impair cognitive and psychomotor functions, potentially increasing the risk of near misses and injuries. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of heat on motorcycle riders. Recommendations include the development of thermally efficient protective gear, infrastructure improvements such as shaded routes and cooling stations, public awareness campaigns on heat stress, and regulatory measures like mandatory heat-adapted gear and riding restrictions in heat. These findings provide critical insights into the intersection of climate change and road safety, emphasizing the importance of adaptive strategies to protect vulnerable populations in hot climates.

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1

Last Page

87

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